As Jenny walked towards the tall, dark and eerie tower, a sense of dread washed over her. The tower loomed up high in front of her, seeming to go on forever. The only sign of life was a small, flickering light coming from the very top of the tower.
Despite the ominous feeling, Jenny pressed on, drawn to the light like a moth to a flame. As she climbed the winding staircase, the air grew colder and colder. The walls seemed to be closing in, and Jenny couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.
When she finally reached the top, she found herself in a small room. The light was coming from a single candle, which flickered in the center of the room. The walls were covered in blood and strange symbols.
In the middle of the room, there was a figure, hunched over and covered with a cloak and hood. The figure pulled down its hood and turned to reveal a twisted and grotesque face. Jenny realised too late that she had stumbled into what can only be described as a sacrifice room, and that she was destined to be the next offering to the dark forces at work in this tower.
The figure lunged at Jenny, who fought back with all of her might. But it was no use. The figure overpowered her, dragging her to the center of the room by her hair. Then with a sickening thud, Jenny’s life was brutally taken, and her blood was added to the already-covered walls.
As Jenny’s body lay lifeless on the ground, the figure cackled with glee. Another sacrifice had been made, and the dark powers of the tower were appeased once again for another day.
The candle flickered, casting shadows on the walls, and the tower stood tall and dark, watching over the gruesome scene. Jenny’s fate was sealed, and she was just another victim of the eerie tower's deadly secrets.
I am a beloved cat, with soft fur and piercing green eyes. My owner, Sarah, has always been kind to me, often leaving a bowl of cream on the windowsill for me to enjoy. I have always been content to spend my days lounging in the sunbeams that filter through the window, watching the world go by.
But one day, as I was lazily grooming myself, I witnessed a hideous crime against my owner. Sarah was walking home from the store when a man approached her, snatching her purse and running away. Sarah cried out in alarm, but the man didn't stop. I watched in horror as Sarah fell to the ground, tears streaming down her face.
I knew I had to do something to get revenge. As a cat, I may not be able to defend Sarah physically, but I am clever and resourceful. I waited until the man was distracted, then I snuck up behind him and clawed at his leg, causing him to drop the purse and run away.
Sarah was overjoyed when I brought her purse back to her, and she hugged me tightly, thanking me for my bravery. From that day on, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that I had helped protect my owner from harm.
However, my sense of safety was short lived. The criminal was caught and sentenced to prison, but Sarah was left with emotional trauma and fear. I could see the pain in her eyes and the way she would jump and cry out at sudden noises. I knew that I had to do something to help her heal.
So, I did the only thing I knew how. I curled up next to her every night, purring softly as she stroked my fur. I let her talk to me about her fears, and I listened attentively. And slowly, over time, I saw the pain in her eyes begin to fade, replaced with a sense of peace and security.
In the end, I may be just a cat, but I will always be there to protect and comfort my beloved owner, Sarah.
As I stirred from my peaceful slumber, my eyes started to flutter open as I slowly began to realise the place I was in was unfamiliar. A jolt of horror ran down my back at the realisation. As I looked closer at my surroundings I noticed I was sat on a bed of waxy like paper, with walls enclosing me made of shiny, reflective what looks to be glass just a few inches above my head and upon looking around further I saw lots and lots of… me.
“How is this possible?” I murmured in shock. “I’m the only gingerbread man. Who are all of these… these… imposters!?” “Hey, hey, wake up” I cried out at the motionless bodies all around me. Nobody stirred. “But how could this be I don’t understand, where am I? I said frantically.
Next second a loud click and flash of light came from somewhere above my head. The rooms glowing now, looks like somebody has turned on a light or something. This gave me more opportunity to familiarise myself with my surroundings which only made things worse as my worst fear was realised and I was indeed trapped in some sort of a glass case.
Next thing I knew, a sliding sound came from somewhere behind me and a large gloved hand, reached into the case beside me. Grabbing man after man until it grasped me too. I struggled to free myself but to no avail as I got shoved into what could only be a brown paper bag.
Then I heard a muffled voice from outside the bag. “If that’s everything that will be two pound ninety nine please” “Thank you very much, enjoy the rest of the day”
2 days before the start of the 63rd Hunger Games begins.
We’ve been told to document and write whatever comes to mind before we enter the games so here we are.
The last couple of days has been an absolute whirlwind since I was chosen as the female tribute for district 10.
Like most normal people I hoped I would never be unlucky enough to be chosen but here I am. A normal, 15 year old farm girl. Growing up we’re introduced to the Hunger Games from an early age to sort of prepare us should we get chosen. In district 10 we’re mainly farmers not fighters so they usually prepare us for the worst. It might sound morbid to an outsider of our district but it’s the truth. We’re taught to always try our best to bring honour to our district but to ultimately prepare to die.
It was hard saying goodbye to my siblings and my parents but I know they’ll be fine without me. Since saying goodbye the journey from district 10 to the capitol was surreal. Stepping onto the train, travelling through the different districts and meeting my coaches was overwhelming and then arriving at the capitol itself was like stepping into another world. Setting foot onto the platform and crowds of people with strange exotic, weirdly designed clothes with elaborate hairstyles cheering and jeering us in droves. I can’t explain how odd it was. Then after that we’ve been training daily, preparing. During this time we’ve been able to size each other up and as you can guess the career pack from district 1 and 2 are looking fierce along with some dark horses from 3, 4 and 7, but hey that’s just my opinion. We’ll see tomorrow for sure when we go through the official scoring rounds.
Another thing our trainers officially told us today was that we’re allowed to bring one non-lethal item into the games with us. I’m not going to lie I have been waiting for them to tell us this as I was already prepared - they usually allow competitors this during the games so I was hoping this games wasn’t going to be the exception. I bought with me Mr. Binks. He’s my Teddy that I’ve spent everyday of my life with. He’s a little battered and tattered toy made out of an old burlap bag, shaped into a bear and stuffed with straw. His features have been woven in with brown twine and he’s missing an ear. I didn’t even hesitate on bringing him with me, he is my comfort, my home and will be with me until the end. Might be a strange item to take in but if these are my last days then he’s coming with me.
I’ve just had a knock on the door requesting lights out so I guess I better wrap it up and get some rest ready for the scoring in the morning.
“Professor… professor, professor Zavier can you hear me? Are you okay?” “You were just about to go into detail on your theories on the meaning of life” The words echoed around my brain, not really sinking in. They sounded distant, almost like it was coming from the end of a tunnel.
“Please can we get some water for Professor Zavier, I think he needs to take a moment” the voice sounded again, closer now.
I felt myself take a deep breath, I opened my eyes looked down at my hands. Only they weren’t mine, these were older, more wrinkly. I started to panic and and as I did so I looked to the side and caught my reflection staring back at me from the screen that was projecting my face all around the auditorium. Only it wasn’t my face, it was my teachers.
Before anyone could say anything else to me, I grabbed the microphone and excused myself.
“Erm, ladies and gentlemen I’m sorry but I must excuse myself for a few minutes, nature calls.” I sheepishly said trying not to sound like a moron before dashing off stage.
I must find my body! I need to switch back!
She is petit and curvaceous - the perfect body. Hair black as night, that fell down to her waist. She has a rosy complexion so sweet and beautiful. Has deep blue eyes like the ocean that you could fall into with luscious lips that longed to be kissed. She is kind and caring and full of laughter. She lights up any room and is the soul of the party.
She means everything to me, I love her completely. Only trouble is; she doesn’t even know I exist…
Here we go again, I think to myself. The constant nightmares each and every night, where the same thing happens every single time are officially getting old now. I haven’t slept properly in weeks.
As soon as I drift off to sleep I go to the same place in my dreams. It’s dawn I think. There is mist all around me and there are still dew droplets covering the grass tips. I’m walking, just walking down this narrow, stony path with nothing either side except for rolling fields as far as the eye can see. Suddenly I hear footsteps on the path behind me. I turnaround only to see nobody there. I carry on walking and the footsteps begin again. I stop, the sound stops, I pickup or slow down my pace and my pace is matched. I turn again, still nobody there. I feel something getting closer and closer to me until I can swear I can feel a breath on my neck but then I wake up… usually. However, tonight seems to be taking slightly longer and I’m starting to get worried. Is it normal to worry in your dreams. My heart is pounding so hard I can hear it in my ears, my breathing is laboured and my palms are all sweaty. The matched steps to mine are like a metronome in my head right now and the feeling that someone is right behind me is a feeling I just can’t shake. Suddenly, my wrist is grabbed from behind, the force of which causing me to unsteadily whirl around. What I was faced with horrified me to my core. I tried to scream but no sound came out. I tried to move and my limbs just hung weakly by my sides. I was trapped and forced to look at the horror in front of me.
I went to visit the family crypt I caught those deep red eyes staring at me again from across the grave yard. Today they seemed much closer than usual and sent a shiver down my spine like nothing I’ve ever felt before. The hairs on the back of my neck standing tall or if I were an animal, my hackles would be standing on end. I couldn’t take it anymore I had to know who was watching me. “Who are you?” “What do you want” I nervously called out into the night. “Don’t pretend like you don’t know who I am, little girl.” The familiarity in their voice rocked me to my core as the realisation hit me that I knew who it was. I opened my mouth to scream but nothing came out as a cold, strong hand had already covered it from behind.
“Come on dear, it’s time to leave for your first day. You mustn’t be late for your new school, you don’t want to start off on the wrong foot” mom called up from the bottom of the stairs.
She took a deep breath in, added one last swatch of bright pink lipgloss to her lips. Blew a kiss to herself in the mirror and flipped her straight, blonde hair as she strolled confidently down the stairs.
“You’re not going to school like that are you? There’s snow on the ground outside and you’re wearing a mini skirt and heels?” mom asked, concern creasing her forehead.
“Relax, mom. You’ll give yourself frown lines. I know what I’m doing. No offence but I don’t need style tips from you.” Cheryl giggled to herself.
Mom huffed and marched outside to the car and Cheryl tottered after her. Mom knew better than to argue with her daughter. She knew it was better to choose her battles carefully with her and this wasn’t worth the hassle.
On the ride to school Cheryl thought about the last few days and how her life had drastically changed. She and her mom and dad had been forced to move due to her dad getting a new job here in Alaska and the commute was just too far. Her parents thought it was best if they all moved together. The choice was Cheryl’s beauty pageants or dads job and you can guess who won that one.
Cheryl resented moving to this little, good for nothing town from Cali’ but she was determined to show the school what’s she’s made of. She wanted to make a good impression; she needed to.
“I’ve got this! I’m a strong, independent beauty queen and I will shine brighter than anyone. I will be queen bee of this sorry little school in no time at all.” Cheryl mused to herself. She was after all, little miss popular.
Outside the clouds began to darken and the snow began to fall in flurries. They soon arrived at the gate. By now the snow was falling thick and fast and an inch of powdery, white snow had already covered the ice that was there to begin with this morning. Classes of people were still outside, now was Cheryl’s chance to make her good first impression. It was now or never.
Cheryl said her goodbyes to her mom and kissed her either side of the cheek. “Laters mom, mwah, mwah.” She opened the car door and instantly the cold, damp snow took her breath away. This didn’t slow her, she was determined to show off her best catwalk strut. This was always a crowd pleaser.
However, she should have known better. She should have known this was a bad idea.
Five paces. Five paces was all Cheryl managed before she started to careen into the nearby wall, before finally coming to a stop in a crumpled snowy heap by the front entrance.
“Haha, look at her!”
“What is she doing?”
“What is she wearing”
“Who does she think she is?”
“Wow, look at that bimbo” voices and laughter rang out all around her. The negativity was oozing off of everyone. She wasn’t used to this feeling at all and was surprised how she instantly felt upset and alone.
By this time everyone’s eyes were on the new girl. To them she looked like a prim and proper Barbie doll trying to show off doing god knows what. Whatever she was trying to do failed, miserably and people were not impressed in the slightest. She stuck out like a sore thumb.
Cheryl’s vision began to blur. For a second she was unsure what was going on but quickly realised that tears were beginning to form on her eyelashes. She pulled herself up and hurriedly got inside away from the many eyes boring into her outside. She blinked the tears away and refocused herself.
“Tears are a sign of weakness. Don’t show your weaknesses to anyone otherwise they will have the chance to use them against you” Cheryl repeated to herself the wise words her father once told her.
“Hey! New girl wait up. I’m Sophie nice to meet you. Nice entrance you made there, real head turner.” She giggled whilst sticking her tongue her out.
“Oh hi, I’m Cheryl. Yeah, that definitely was not the way I planned it in my head” she said sheepishly.
The sharp ding-a-ling of the bell tolled signalling it was time for first period.
In Cheryl’s mind she pondered over what was to come next “I hate this place.” She thought.
“It couldn’t possibly get any worse could it?”
